Wooden "Backpacking" Flutes By Werner John
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 04.18.06
Going hiking this summer? For solace sake, you might give the iPod a rest and instead learn how to play a woodland flute, which could resound quite nicely with your forest time. Werner John, a Massachusetts based craftsman, musician offers lightweight woodland flutes made especially for the backpacker. His flute designs overcome the usual humidity issues with a unique ceramic liner (partial view of liner shown in photo) that enables wooden flutes to be played outdoors, in cool weather, and without condensation problems. The backpack models are priced from US$245-345. We think his ideas are in tune as well. "Threats and decline are not all there is. Dwelling on successes is inspiring..."!
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I carry an aluminum "low D" whistle. Not only is it lightweight and not affected by moisture, I can drop it and not fear that it will shatter like my bamboo flutes might. I can also store a small penny whistle inside of it so a friend can play along, too. I think I paid around $100 for it (and $10 for the penny whistle), which makes it a lot cheaper, too.